Vance M. Tripp Jr.

DEDHAM – Vance M. Tripp Jr., 62, passed away unexpectedly March 17, 2014, at his home at 811 Green Lake Rd., Dedham. He was born June 4, 1951 in Old Town Maine, son of Vance M. Sr. and Bettina L. Tripp.

Vance attended Old Town High School but moved to Bridgeport Conn. to live with his father. He served in the U.S.A.F. in New Hampshire, Quam and South Korea, from 1969 to 1973 during the Vietnam era as a crash rescue firefighter. After the service, Vance moved back to Maine and has resided in Dedham since 1982. Vance served with the Me. A.N.G. in Bangor from 1973 – 2005 in Crash Rescue and the City of Bangor Fire Dept. from 1975 to 2011. He prided himself as working with some of the best people in the world – firefighters. As Vance progressed thru the ranks from Firefighter to Assistant Chief he remained approachable as mentor to his subordinates, respectful of his peers and his supervisors alike. He treated everyone as his equal and was always available to listen to anyone who needed his support. Favorite hobbies or past times are hunting, ice fishing, boating, playing guitar & jamming with friends. The family especially wants to thank Bangor Fire Dept., hospice, Bangor ANG, Green Lake friends and family, and all the family that gave their all for Vance’s comfort to the end.

A memorial reception will be held 1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. Interment will be held later in the spring. Those who wish to remember Vance in a special way may make gifts in his memory to New Hope Hospice, 1344 Main Rd., Eddington, ME 04428. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.